Javed Akhtar on Fawad Khan’s Film Ban in India After Pahalgam Attack: ‘There Is Hardly Any…

Speedy Summary

• Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar discussed India-Pakistan cultural ties in light of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 people were killed.
• Akhtar stated that this is not the time too consider allowing Pakistani artists to work in India, suggesting such discussions are best left for “better times.”
• He acknowledged past positive exchanges, highlighting how Indian authorities warmly welcomed prominent Pakistani artists like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Mehdi Hassan, but noted this was not equally reciprocated by PakistanS establishment.
• Government sources confirmed that the film Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and earlier slated for release on May 9, will be banned from theatrical release in India following calls for its restriction.
• Akhtar remarked that blocking Pakistani artists may ultimately favor fundamentalist forces in Pakistan who seek to maintain divisions between the two nations.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Cross-border cultural exchanges have historically served as a bridge between India and Pakistan amid political tensions. Though,issues like terrorism undermine these bridges by stoking mistrust on both sides. The decision to ban Abir Gulaal reflects India’s broader stance of linking cultural interactions wiht national security concerns post-Pahalgam attack. While Javed Akhtar’s comments highlight a nostalgic vision of artistic camaraderie from the past, they also underscore reciprocal failures at the institutional level between both countries. For now, renewed collaboration seems unlikely unless there is sustained effort toward building trust-a process hindered by continued violence and geopolitical hostility.

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